10 Christmas Light Tips to Save Time, Money, and (Possibly) Your Life

 

Christmas lights can be modest displays to show good cheer, or million-bulb light-apaloozas that draw gawkers from near and far. Here are some tips on how to get the most from — and spend the least on — your holiday display.

1.  Safety first. Emergency rooms are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their holiday lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the holiday black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow.

2.  Unpack carefully. Lights break and glass cuts. So unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.

3.  Extension cords are your friends. Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords that are UL-listed for outdoor use. To avoid overloading, only link five strings of lights together before plugging into an extension cord.

4.  LEDs cost less to light. LED Christmas lights use roughly 70% to 90% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can safely connect many more LED light strings than incandescents. Downside: Some think they don’t burn as brightly as incandescent bulbs.

5.  Solar lights cost nothing to run. Solar Christmas lights are roughly four times more expensive to buy than LEDs, but they cost zero to run. They’re a bright-burning, green alternative. Downside: If there’s no sun during the day, there’s no light at night. The jury’s also still out on how long they last; they’re too new on the market for results.

6.  Dismantle lights sooner than later. Sun, wind, rain, and snow all take their toll on Christmas lights. To extend the life of lights, take them down immediately after the holidays. The longer you leave the up, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.

7.  Plan next year’s display on Dec. 26. Shop the after-Christmas sales to get the best prices on lights and blowups that you can proudly display next year. Stock up on your favorite lights so you’ll have spares when you need them (and after they’re discontinued).

8.  Permanent attachments save time. If you know you’ll always hang lights from eaves, install permanent light clips ($13 for 75 clips) that will save you hanging time each year. You’ll get a couple/three years out of the clips before sun eats the plastic.

9.  Find those blueprints. Instead of guessing how many light strings you’ll need, or measuring with a tape, dig up your house blueprints or house location drawings (probably with your closing papers) and use those measurements as a guide.

10.  Store them in a ball. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/how-to-string-christmas-lights/preview/#ixzz3tehfriMY
Follow us: @HouseLogic on Twitter | HouseLogic on Facebook

Homeowners trump renters in wealth

NEW YORK – Oct. 20, 2015 – Homeowners' net worth is significantly higher than renters. A typical homeowner's net worth is $195,400 compared to a renter's $5,400, according to the Federal Reserve's last data from 2013.

The Fed's next survey of household finances, which is conducted every three years, is due out in 2016 and the renter to homeowner gap is expected to widen further due to price increases.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors^®, predicts that the median net worth of homeowners will jump to $225,000 to $230,000 in 2016, but it will be around $5,000 for renters.

If that proves correct, the typical homeowner will be ahead of a typical renter by a multiple of 45 on a lifetime financial achievement scale.

"Though there will always be discussion about whether to buy or rent, or whether the stock market offers a bigger return than real estate, the reality is that homeowners steadily build wealth," Yun writes in his latest column for Forbes.com.

"The simplest math shouldn't be overlooked. A vast majority of homebuyers take out a 30-year fixed rate mortgage to make a home purchase," Yun says. "After 30 years, there is no mortgage payment (nor rent payment). So the home price growth over that time period would be the equity that the home buyer would have accumulated."

The majority of Americans aspire to be homeowners and the homeownership rate increases significantly through age. The homeownership rate among households under the age of 35 is 35 percent, for example, but by the time people reach their prime-earning years of 45 to 55, nearly three-fourths are homeowners. By retirement, nearly 80 percent are homeowners, Yun notes.

Source: "How Do Home Owners Accumulate Wealth?" Forbes (Oct. 14, 2015)

When is the best time of year to buy a home?

RealtyTrac took a big data approach to the question and analyzed 32 million single-family home and condo sales over the past 15 years. They compared average sale prices to average estimated market value at the time of sale to determine whether buyers paid a premium or bought their home at a discount. They then broke down the data by month, weekday and day to see which buyers received the biggest discounts based on listing prices.

Florida discount days

• Cape Coral-Fort Myers: The best day of the year is May 28, when buyers' closing price was an average 22% discount off the original asking price.
• Lakeland: The best day of the year is Jan. 21, when buyers' closing price was an average 16% discount off the original asking price.
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach: The best day of the year is Dec. 31, when buyers' closing price was an average 13% discount off the original asking price.
• Orlando-Kissimmee: The best day of the year is Oct. 1, when buyers' closing price was an average 11% discount off the original asking price.
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: The best day of the year is Oct. 8, when buyers' closing price was an average 20% discount off the original asking price.
• Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice: The best day of the year is Jan. 2, when buyers' closing price was an average 15% discount off the original asking price.
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: The best day of the year is Oct. 29, when buyers' closing price was an average 12% discount off the original asking price.

"The end of the school year and summer break accelerates our South Florida closings in the spring and summer months," says Mike Pappas, CEO and president of the Keyes Company in South Florida. "Historically, we close 60 percent of our sales in the second and third quarter of each year. Traffic is lower during the holidays and therefore January and February are our lowest closing months."

National overview

October is the best month to close

• Over the last 15 years, October buyers realized an average discount of 2.6% below full estimated market value at the time of sale.
• Following October, the best months to buy were February, July, December and January.
• The worst month of the year to close is April, when buyers over the last 15 years have purchased at an average premium of 1.2% above estimated market value at the time of sale.

Monday is the best weekday to close

• Over the last 15 years, Monday buyers saw an average discount of 2.3% below full estimated market value at the time of sale.
• Friday is the second-best weekday to close on a home purchase, and buyers realized an average discount of 2.0%.
• Thursday is the worst day of the week to buy a home, with a 1.0% average discount, followed by Wednesday (1.4% discount) and Tuesday (1.9% discount).

Oct. 8 is the best day of the year to close

• After removing holidays such as Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Veteran's Day and July 4, the analysis found that buyers who closed on Oct. 8 realized the biggest average discount – 10.8 percent below estimated market value at time of sale.
• After Oct. 8, the best days of the year to close on a purchase of a home were Nov. 26 (10.1% discount), Dec. 31 (9.7%), Oct. 22 (9.6%), and Oct. 15 (9.1%).
• The worst day of the year to close on a purchase of a home was Jan. 19, when buyers paid an average 9.6% premium above estimated market value at time of sale, followed by Feb. 16 (9.5% premium), Apr. 20 (9.5% premium), Apr. 6 (8.4% premium) and Apr. 27 (8.2% premium).

For more details, check RealtyTrac's interactive map posted online.

The Tampa Outlet Mall & Local Real Estate!

CLICK HERE FOR FEATURED LISTING!

 

The Grand Opening of The Tampa Outlet Mall is fast approaching. Potential buyers, current residents and business owners in the area are continuously buzzing about the growth and positive impact the Mall will have on the Wesley Chapel/Land O Lakes area.

The real estate arena is certainly anticipating the launch of the Tampa Outlet Mall.  The overall value of the area is expected to increase. So the question is now, where to buy within the area that will still be an affordable option. One of the options is Ashton Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

This community is close enough to all of the festivities, attractions, restaurants, grocery, and much more, without being the heart of it all. Taxes are reasonable, there are no CDDs within the community, and the HOA dues are less than $55 monthly. Click here to check out a list of the current homes for sale within Ashton Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

FOR SALE ~ Home w/Large UnSpoiled Back Yard

In one of the desirable communities at Oak Creek in Riverview, you can find a home with a little of untamed land with trees and shrubs in it’s back yard. Some Buyers may see this backyard as a tumultuous project, while others will see it as an opportunity to personalize and yardscape. Yes, Yardscape. Changing the Landscape of your Yard to your own personal tastes.

Not everyone has the green thumb and vision to get this done. Also, there are rare instances where you find a yard large enough to fulfill this dream. Look no further. A home in Oak Creek in Riverview, Florida may be a YardScaper’s dream.

Within the Harvest Glen Community, a smaller community of the Oak Creek Subdivision, awaits a beautiful 2-Story, 2,825 sqft home built in 2011. Not only is the home a young structure with a contemporary flare and tons of upgrades, it sits on almost a 1/3 of an-acre. Half of the yard was inherited from the Builder as unspoiled forestry. However, the new owner of this home can repurpose the yard into a meaningful oasis. A pool, basket ball court, a walking trail or a jungle area where the kids can get lost and have bond fires. Whatever you, the space lends to your vision.

Below is a video of the home. Please click here for detailed MLS information and pricing. This home is waiting for you. To schedule a private showing call or text 813-419-7009 today!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO!

Gloria Walters, PA, REALTOR
Charles Rutenberg Realty
813-419-7009, www.gloriawalters.com

Estancia Move-In Ready Homes ~ July 2015

NOW
Florence – Spanish, 2383 s.f. (3/2.5/den/bonus/2-car/2-story)
CLICK FOR VIRTUAL TOUR
Was $348,420 , Now $334,900
MLS ID: T2734980: 4024 Medicci Ln

JULY 2015
Florence – Italianate, 2402 s.f. (3/2.5/den/bonus/2-car/2-story)
Was $361,025, Now 344,900
MLS ID T2758705: 4033 Medicci Lane

JULY 2015
Milan – Italianate, 2495 s.f. (4/2.5/bonus/2-car/2-story)
$349,900,

MLS ID T2760694: 29259 Perilli Place

AUGUST 2015
Milan – Italianate, 2379 s.f. (4/2.5/loft/2-car/2-story)
$349,900
MLS ID T2762723: 4064 Medicci Ln

 

Call Gloria Walters, PA at 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com for more information.

Move-In Ready Home Close to MacDill Air Force Base!

 

Click Here for Video

Located on the cusp of Brandon and Riverview, this move-in ready Taylor Morrison home awaits its new owners. This home features four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, 2,825 square feet, three car garages, and a large lot with over 1/3 of an acre.

From the moment you pull into the driveway one is greeted by a contemporary home with a Travertine Walkway, large front porch and an appealing landscape. As you open the door, you are welcomed by 18’X18’ Spanish Tile at the Foyer and dark maple wood flooring leading to the updated living spaces on both sides of the staircase. From the entrance one can also admire the voluminous ceilings, crown molding, modern light fixtures, neutral paint colors, and the many windows that illuminate the space with natural lighting. The living room is equipped with built-in surround sound speakers and media outlets for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts an eat-in kitchen space, dark cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, Granite Countertops, Spanish tile flooring, Noce tile Back Splash, and Noce tile at the Breakfast Bar. Also located on the first floor are the formal dining, great room, large laundry room, powder room, and under stairway storage.

Four bedrooms and two full bathrooms can be located on the second level. The massive master suite features a Tray Ceiling with fan, large windows emitting natural lighting, two large walk-in closets and a spa-like En Suite. This respite offers dual vanity space, a water closet, garden tub, and standalone shower with a rain-shower head. The three remaining rooms are spacious with complimenting closet space.

The backyard is also adorned with Travertine Tile, covered lanai, outside speakers, and ceiling fan for a wonderful outside entertaining area. The 0.31-acre home allows plenty of room for future home additions including a pool. With only 60 homes in this community, it’s centrally located and offers a short commute to MacDill Air force base, local river and boat docks, Lithia Springs, Camp Christina, Ellenton Mall, Brandon Mall, Local Hospital and many more shopping areas and points of interest.

Please call 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com to schedule your private viewing today!

To Contribute to Buyer’s Closing Costs or NOT!

 

Is there a defined rule when it comes to closing cost assistance for financing buyers? Many might think there is an industry standard to expect. Buyer’s closing costs assistance or seller’s concessions are always a topic of discussion in any financing negotiations. Why not? If the Buyer is purchasing a home and paying for the down payment, closing costs, home inspections, appraisal, HOA applications, etc., a little money saved can go a long way. Thousands of dollars just vanish from the buyer’s pocket. I’m not saying it’s not worth the investment, but if the Buyer could save a little in their pockets, then Why Not?

Any new buyer I work with, I’ll explain to them that we’ll ask the seller to contribute and pay for up to half of their closing costs. In some cases, I can negotiate that all of their closing costs be paid. On the selling side, when I represent a seller, the seller’s net sheet is calculated to include 3% seller concessions as a variable cost. It’s not mandatory, but if a Buyer asks, at least the seller is able to make concessions as they see fit.

I never really gave this practice much thought until I submitted an offer on a property for one of my Buyers recently. The listing agent countered our offer stating that the Seller won’t contribute to our closing costs. The listing agent further explained that she never asks for closing costs for a buyer or recommends a seller to contribute to the Buyer’s closing costs unless it’s a foreclosure or new construction property. Foreclosures and new construction purchases are easy outlets to obtain closing cost assistance for the Buyer. New construction builders almost ALWAYS offer seller concessions as part of their appeal to Buyers. I was certainly taken back by her real estate practice. She eloquently added that, if a Buyer wants to buy a home, they should the necessary money saved to cover all costs. I chuckled to myself.

Perhaps this is the service she provides to her clients, but I feel this is a Disservice. Saving a few thousand dollars for a Buyer shows that you care. It shows that you understand that even after the  home purchase, there’s money that goes towards cosmetic improvements, furniture, utility connections, among other items. It hurts my heart that this is her belief and practice. I feel this is why when I speak to so many Buyers, they feel that home ownership is out of reach. They feel that they cannot afford it, and have to save for years. They eventually give up on this dream because of kids, bills, and other items that may slowly nibble at their saving opportunities.

I believe that Home Ownership is a dream. As your Real Estate Professional, it’s my job to make this dream come true. Anyway I can.

If you are wondering how to begin the journey to home ownership, call me today at 813-419-7009 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com.

Photo credit: www.totalmortgage.com

Mortgage borrowers find it a bit easier to qualify

NEW YORK – May 13, 2015 – Lenders continue to loosen standards on home loans. Government and jumbo programs saw the most easing, while conventional conditions tightened.

At 122.0, the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) was higher than it's been in at least four years, and possibly five years based on a historical graph.

An increase in the index – which provides a standardized quantitative index solely focused on mortgage credit – indicates that lending standards on home loans are loosening.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported the index based on data from Ellie Mae Inc.

March 31, 2012, has been established as the base period, with an index of 100.

The index was up for the third consecutive month from 121.4 in March.

As of April 2014, the index was 113.8.

"The increase was driven by new offerings of FHA's 203K home improvement program, new VA offerings, and new jumbo products," MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni said in a written statement. "The increase was partially offset by some investors tightening underwriting criteria on conventional cash out offerings."

But while the trend has been improving, credit standards remain nowhere near levels during the pre-crisis go-go years – with the index estimated to have been approximately 880 in 2006.

The Government MCAI rose 1.1 percent from March, the best month-over-month improvement of any loan type.

A 0.8 percent rise was recorded for the jumbo index, while credit standards on conforming loans eased 0.2 percent.

The only category to tighten was conventional, with that index contracting 0.6 percent.

Copyright © 2015 Mortgage Daily. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

FOR SALE ~ New Tampa Home in Sterling Manor

 

Click Here to Watch Video

Looking for a move-in ready home, in a maintenance free community in the Tampa Palms area, this home is the perfect choice. Completely renovated, with lots of updates and upgrades, this home offers 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, an optional 4th bedroom/den/office and screened-in deck. As you enter the home, you are welcomed with a 2-story, opened entrance, with large windows from the floor to ceiling. A formal dining room, with a wall inset for added decorations along with a bay window with sitting space. The first floor also features an optional 4th bedroom, a spacious living room, double sided fireplace, oak wood flooring throughout, recessed lighting, full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, closet pantry, and updated light fixtures.

The second floor is covered with plush carpet from the staircase to the bedroom closets. The second level, split bedroom floor plan includes 2 bedrooms, and a master suite that is separated by a guest bathroom. The master suite features windows that allow a lot of natural light, ceiling fan, tray ceiling, and two closets with one being a walk-in closet. The master bathroom will be your favorite place, with a water closet, garden tub, separate shower, linen closet, and double vanities. This home sits on a conservation of wooded charm. Not to mention the community is a maintenance free community where the lawn is trimmed routinely and the overgrown trees are pared bi-annually.

For more property details, call 813-419-7009 or email info@gloriawalters.com.

Agents tinker with the timing of an open house

 
CHICAGO – April 21, 2015 – To make their open houses stand out, some real estate pros veer from the traditional weekend afternoon by opening their listings' doors at night. As the weather warms up and days stretch out, some agents host open houses on weekday evenings. Twilight open houses usually occur at dusk, about 4 to 6 p.m., and sometimes later.

Twilight open houses became more popular after the housing crisis as real estate pros were looked for new ways to catch potential buyers' attention and compete against a backdrop of many other homes for sale at the time. But now, some agents say they use twilight open houses for some of their most unique listings.

A Chicago brokerage, @properties, specializes in twilight open houses as full-scale, invitation-only events. For example, the brokerage held a twilight open house when 20 energy efficient homes in a new development in Skokie were for sale. The brokerage paid for a bartender and caterer to try to lure more potential buyers after work to the twilight open house. It worked: About 100 people showed up and four homes sold.

Kelly Evans with RE/MAX Estate Properties in Redondo Beach, Calif., says she holds twilight open houses occasionally but reserves it for unique properties. Unlike traditional open houses, buyers aren't as likely to just follow a yard sign and show up, she says. In fact, most potential buyers who see an open house sign on a weekday or evening many times assume an agent had a weekend open house and just forgot to remove the sign.

To avoid confusion, agents say with a twilight open house usually make it an invitation-only event on a weeknight, making it an offer for a special viewing to current clients, past clients, an entire building or neighborhood.

"I don't use it very often. It's very property-specific," Evans told realtor.com. "It's only for that house that has panoramic views, or there's a harvest moon – something to draw people in."

Source: "At the Twilight Open House, a Novel Approach to Home Sales," realtor.com® (April 3, 2015)

© Copyright 2015 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688 

Mixing Business with Business!

 

Every quarter, I host a Business Mixer at various venues across the Tampa Bay Area. I partner with one of my preferred business associates and invite all of our clients, friends and colleagues that are entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity to not only solidify our existing relationships with these business owners, but to introduce their services to other like-minded individuals. I believe that we can all help each other succeed.

For my Real Estate business, I keep a well-defined list of professionals that I can refer should the opportunity presents itself. Since I work by referral, I do like to offer referrals too. It’s a Win Win. Not only does the end recipient receive service from a trusted professional, but it helps build that client’s confidence in me.

I'm a Quality Agent that delivers Quality Service. I like to work with people that share the same High Standards in their Business. Feel free to come on out to my next business mixer. I’d love to meet you. Upcoming Business Mixer Link –> http://bit.ly/1EfvPM7.

Viewing Real Estate Through the Eyes of Your Phone or Tablet.

 

Photo Credit: RISMedia.com

A recent survey conducted determined that many Realtors use FaceTime, an iPhone video app, to help overseas or out-of-state Buyers view homes virtually. Personally, I’ve used Google Hangouts, or even Skype to conduct such viewings. These outlets have also proven reliable when a Buyer cannot make it to the final walk-through and have chosen to close via mail-away.

Such applications as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and Skype are all capable of sending video and sound using your smart phone or tablet. The user can also switch views between the front and back camera as needed to talk to a client and showcase a a home during the walk-through or tour. The Realtor can get up close and answer any questions on the home on the spot for the client.

Considering how hot the market is right now, homes can be under contract in one day. This method allows the Realtor to discuss all pertinent items with the Buyer in Real Time and the visual aspect offers added comfort for making quick decisions. If the client is unavailable at the time of the property viewing, I video record the property and outline all features and challenges of the home. The video is then shared with the client via Dropbox or Youtube, depending on file size.

In today’s market, having a Tech-Savvy Realtor is a plus. The Tampa Bay market is volatile and values are increasing daily. Buyer’s offers need immediate presentation to the sellers to increase chances for success. As I have listed many homes in the first quarter of the year, I see the first hand competition among eager buyers ready to secure a home and cease their long home search.

Looking to purchase or sell real estate in the Tampa Bay area? Your Favorite Realtor is here ready to assist. Feel free to call me at 813-419-7009 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com. Follow me at @GloriaSellsTPA or Facebook.com/GloriaSellsTPA.

Move-In Ready Home in Wesley Chapel

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO!

Ready for immediate occupancy is this contemporary turnkey single family home in desirable Ashton Oaks, FL. Only two years young, this open concept home features wood, ceramic tile and carpet flooring, modern-style ceiling fans, canned/recessed lighting, a spacious laundry room with washer/dryer hook-up, a sophisticated paint theme, as well as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.

The den/sitting room is perfect for entertaining privately or personal quiet time. The island kitchen features 42” dark maple cabinets, pendant lighting, built-in wine-rack, a breakfast bar, as well as a dining area that leads into the family room. The split bedroom floor plan allows master suite privacy that features a stand-up shower, dual sinks, and walk-in closet. Furthermore, the open lanai offers a covered space to enjoy the Florida weather.

This home is conveniently located in close proximity to I-75, the Wiregrass Mall, the Cobb Theatre, Publix, and many shopping, dining and other area points of interest. This pet friendly community also features a small dog park and a community pool.

Email, call or text 813-419-7009 for more information. Make an Offer today.